'I know, you know' that 'Psych' is television's top program

by jmaloni

Fifth season begins

Wed, Jul 14th 2010 05:00 pm

Commentary by Joshua Maloni

OK, OK, before
you fans of "Lost," "Breaking Bad," "Mad Men" and "30 Rock" start throwing your
shoes at me, consider this: "Psych" has elements of all of those shows, and
it's far more witty and entertaining.

That's right.

Witty and
entertaining.

The way this
critic sees it, at the end of a long, long workday, we channel changers are not
interested in reading a book, discussing the news of the day, or making a
political statement. We want to sit on the couch, kick back, and let actors and
plots amuse us (i.e. make us forget bosses, deadlines and time cards).

And there's no
show capable of inducing laughter, evoking romantic feelings and leaving us on
the edge of our seat more than "Psych." It effortlessly carries us into a
better mood.

Sure, "Lost"
was an epic adventure. "Breaking Bad" and "Mad Men" are brilliant
socio-cultural reflections of the world (then and now). "30 Rock" is funny -
hilarious, even - but how many of us feel like we're not of the right political
affiliation to appreciate some of its jokes?

For my money,
"Psych" is tops because it's so easily accessible. You don't need to be a
cartographer of the Dharma Initiative, a student of American history, or (dare
I say it?) a liberal to enjoy its storylines.

"Psych"
brilliantly observes - defines, mocks, celebrates - pop culture. It's
characters laugh with us about the items we all discuss at the old water
cooler.